CENER presents a study on the implementation of an energy centre in Chile

9 December 2009

A study prepared by the National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain (CENER) considers that the creation of a Technology Centre that will enable Chile to take up a position at the technological avant-garde in renewable energies is feasible and recommendable, as it will become the driving force for knowledge, creating highly-qualified employment and fostering the development of the renewable industry sector in Chile.

This study has been financed by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade of Spain, and led by the National Renewable Energy Centre (CENER).

The centre should mainly be orientated towards technology development, offering consultancy services, specialised technical assistance, tests, certification, training and knowledge transfer. A key factor to guarantee its success would be to provide it with singular infrastructures that will be able to perform tests according to international regulations and accredited by the National Standardisation Institute of Chile. The ideal main location for the centre, according to the Study, would be in the region of BIO BIO, although the aim is for it to become a national centre and provide service to the MERCOSUR area. Furthermore, for the project to be put into practice, the Study expresses the need for both a stable regulatory framework and public-private support.

This Study was formally presented during an institutional act presided by the Governor of the Bio Bio region of Chile, Jaime Tohá, with the participation of the Regional Minister of Innovation, Enterprise and Employment of the Government of Navarra, José Mª Roig (President, too, of CENER), José Javier Armendáriz, Director General of CENER and Jerónimo Camacho, Business and Strategy Development Director of CENER.

Later a public presentation was held, with the attendance of representatives from the main companies and institutions of the region.